The nurses aren't very consistent with their communication and one bad apple can ruin the bunch! Sometimes with Kaiser, you have to be your own advocate...After my first egg retrieval, the clinic failed to send me the embryo report. Another frustrating thing with this clinic has been when they schedule lunch time appointments and there is no receptionist at the desk, so you have to knock on the door and there is generally no one that answers... so you have to sit in the waiting room and hope someone comes out to find you. I've also found that their appointments are generally running late and I often have to wait ~15 for my appointment to start.

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Age

28 - 30

Treated

2014 - 2016

Success with this Doc

No

Race

Prefer not to answer

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

Nurse or HC Services

Order & Number of Docs Seen

2nd of 2 Docs

Treatment

3 IUI, 1 IVF

Diagnosis

Unexplained

8

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Strengths: If you're a Kaiser member, using Kaiser is very convenient.
Weakness: The nurses aren't very consistent with their communication and one bad apple can ruin the bunch! Sometimes with Kaiser, you have to be your own advocate...

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Dr. Sohn has great bedside manners. He is kind and understanding of this difficult situation.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

Unfortunately I have not had great experiences with the nursing staff here. Communication issues and one nurse has not been very compassionate throughout this process. She comes across extremely fake and demeaning in how she interacts with me. I have had conversations with other patients who have had the same experiences with this one in particular nurse. The other nurses have been great, but unfortunately it only takes one bad apple to ruin the entire experience.

What specific things went wrong at this clinic?

Lost paperwork

How was your experience with Sae Sohn?

Dr. Sohn is very kind. My only complaint is that he seems very conservative with treatment and does not like to take risks (i.e. questioned me several times to ensure I wanted to implant two embryos instead of one). Al though we haven't gotten the results we want, I would recommend Dr. Sohn to my friends. He is very responsive by email as well.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sae Sohn?

If you're going in for IVF, be prepared for a roller coaster!

Describe the protocols Sae Sohn used in your cycles and their degree of success.

For both egg retrievals, I was put on the Microdose Lupron protocol (with Gonal-F & Menopur). He said this was the most aggressive protocol he prescribes for his patients.
My first IVF, I had 12 eggs retrieved. 8 fertilized, and only 4 made it to day-5 embryo's.

Large clinic [Kaiser] so it is easy to get lost as a patient and become a number... On the plus side, when you begin going regularly to the same doctor they will get to know you and their nurses. It is very organized and timely...[Nursing staff] Competent and caring. Fun and friendly. They really take care and concern in your treatment and understanding the process. Very patient and kind...I never paid more than $10 for an ultrasound or $10 for medication until we got to injections then the Menopur was $30.

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Age

32 - 33

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

?

Race

Other

Income

$100K - $199K

Occupation

Nurse or HC Services

Order & Number of Docs Seen

2nd of 3 Docs

Treatment

6 IUI

Diagnosis

Unexplained

10

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Large clinic so it is easy to get lost as a patient and become a number. Be sure to remind tryout current RE of what you have completed verses what you want to do next. On the plus side, when you begin going regularly to the same doctor they will get to know you and their nurses. It is very organized and timely. The copay for us was very reasonable.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

She always takes great care in your comfort and understanding of the procedures and processes. Lisa does not rush your treatment or questions. Every patient is as important as the next.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

Competent and caring. Fun and friendly. They really take care and concern in your treatment and understanding the process. Very patient and kind.

How was your experience with Lisa Cookingham?

Dr. C is compassionate and caring. Every visit I felt like she was as hopeful and eager to help us start our family as we were. I always appreciated her willingness to try new things while also believing that my body could naturally handle some things as well. She was patient and kind. A very genuine provider. Always loved working with her.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Lisa Cookingham?

If you want to try something new be sure to ask.

Describe the protocols Lisa Cookingham used in your cycles and their degree of success.

We tried letrazole. Two tablets daily cycle day 3-7. Formed 1-2 mature follicles then naturally ovulated with IUI next day from positive OPK.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Lisa Cookingham.

I never paid more than $10 for an ultrasound or $10 for medication until we got to injections then the Menopur was $30. Very reasonable with our level of coverage

10

Doctor

Lisa Cookingham

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

10

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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10

Age

37

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

Yes

Treatment

1 IUI, Donor Sperm

Diagnosis

—

10

Everyone in the office [Kaiser Sacramento] was amazing.... Dr. Cookingham works out of 2 offices, Sacramento and Vacaville.... Dr. Cookingham used all of the protocols set up by Kaiser. She explained why Kaiser used them and why she agreed. She is patient and an excellent communicater and I never left her office confused.... Dr Cookingham is very kind and thorough. She always took her time, even if it meant she would be late for her next meeting. She went above and beyond with my care and took the extra steps to assure me and make me feel confident and comfortable.

+ Read more

Age

37

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

Yes

Race

South Asian, Latino, Native American

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

1 IUI, Donor Sperm

Diagnosis

—

10

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I had a great experience! The only thing that was difficult was that Dr. Cookingham works out of 2 offices, Sacramento and Vacaville. I live in Sacramento so sometimes it was difficult traveling to Vacaville but totally worth it to be under Dr. Cookingham's care.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Dr Cookingham is very kind and thorough. She always took her time, even if it meant she would be late for her next meeting. She went above and beyond with my care and took the extra steps to assure me and make me feel confident and comfortable.

Describe your experience with your nurse.

Everyone in the office was amazing. I had a great experience.

How was your experience with Lisa Cookingham?

Dr. Cookingham is the best dr I have seen for any reason. I have already highly recommended her to my friends. She is the absolute best and I was lucky to be her patient! She is kind and welcoming and she put me at ease after having a hard time before I was under her care.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Lisa Cookingham?

Don't see anyone else! Just go see Dr. Cookingham!

Describe the protocols Lisa Cookingham used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Dr. Cookingham used all of the protocols set up by Kaiser. She explained why Kaiser used them and why she agreed. She is patient and an excellent communicater and I never left her office confused.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Lisa Cookingham.

I don't remember.

10

Doctor

Lisa Cookingham

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

10

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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7

Age

39 - 40

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

?

Treatment

7 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Sperm

Diagnosis

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained

7

I feel Kaiser is a little more restricted in their guidelines on treatment and steps...The [nursing] team in the fertility office was very kind...Because I'm using donor sperm and had never tried getting pregnant we did one round without any medications...cost varied, it was not covered by my health plan...Dr. Klooster is very informative in explaining for pros and the cons of each procedure and treatment. He is very encouraging.

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Age

39 - 40

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

?

Race

Other

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1st of 2 Docs

Treatment

7 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Sperm

Diagnosis

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained

7

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I feel Kaiser is a little more restricted in their guidelines on treatment and steps

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Dr. Klooster is very caring and informative.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

The team in the fertility office was very kind

How was your experience with Curt Klooster?

Dr. Klooster is very informative in explaining for pros and the cons of each procedure and treatment. He is very encouraging. He understand the cost and emotional struggle treatment can have and provides you with all the information to make your decisions

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Curt Klooster?

He is very straight forward.

Describe the protocols Curt Klooster used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Because I'm using donor sperm and had never tried getting pregnant we did one round without any medications, then tried three rounds of clomid, one round with a mix of clomid and menopur and then the last round was all menopur. Each round was unsuccessful.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Curt Klooster.

cost varied, it was not covered by my health plan.

9

Doctor

Curt Klooster

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

7

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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8

Age

39

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

4 IUI

Diagnosis

Uterine Fibroids, Other

8

They are organized but since Kaiser [Sacramento] is limited on the number of clinics they are busy.... They [nursing staff] are wonderful, compassionate, and communicate especially Sharma!...
Iui 1 with him was femara. Iui 2 was a mix cycle of femara and menopur followed by a trigger shot. Ultrasound showed I had one mature follie. Iui 3 was Clomid and menopur followed by a trigger shot. The hope was I would have a better responses to clomid and I did.i did have a better response with four follies but still no pregnancy.

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Age

39

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

No

Race

Latino

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

Teacher

Order & Number of Docs Seen

2nd of 3 Docs

Treatment

4 IUI

Diagnosis

Uterine Fibroids, Other

8

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

They are organized but since Kaiser is limited on the number of clinics they are busy. I had to float between Sacramento and Roseville to receive all my treatments at necessary cycle times.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

He is very sensitive and willing to take time with me.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

They are wonderful, compassionate, and communicate especially Sharma!

How was your experience with Curt Klooster?

Dr. klooster is a good doctor and shares good information. He has done my myomectomy and hysteroscopy as well. I wish I saw him more for my iuis but he doesn't handle that and leaves it to his nurse practitioner.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Curt Klooster?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. He will answer all your questions.

Describe the protocols Curt Klooster used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Iui 1 with him was femara. Iui 2 was a mix cycle of femara and menopur followed by a trigger shot. Ultrasound showed I had one mature follie. Iui 3 was Clomid and menopur followed by a trigger shot. The hope was I would have a better responses to clomid and I did.i did have a better response with four follies but still no pregnancy. Quality could be an issue. We are now moving to Ivf.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Curt Klooster.

1500

7

Doctor

Curt Klooster

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

8

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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5

Age

36

Treated

2005

Success with this Doc

Yes

Treatment

5 IUI, Donor Sperm

Diagnosis

—

5

Friendly but matter of fact. I have huge fear of doctors and needles - somehow once we got through my initial consultation he never made me nervous. Had a specific plan for my situation which removed a lot of stress. Explained the process very well. I found it VERY helpful that he [Dr. Sae Sohn] set out expectations including a timeline - as in we will try x for 3 months and if it does not work move on to x for three months then re-evalutate and move to x for 3 months. I named times for insemination and he met me at my convenience at his office (Greenbrae at the time)

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Age

36

Treated

2005

Success with this Doc

Yes

Race

European

Income

$100K - $199K

Occupation

Business Executive

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

5 IUI, Donor Sperm

Diagnosis

—

5

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Did not use Kaiser Sacramento - used Dr Sohn in Greenbrae California (my daughter is now 11)

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Explained the process very well. I found it VERY helpful that he set out expectations including a timeline - as in we will try x for 3 months and if it does not work move on to x for three months then re-evalutate and move to x for 3 months. I named times for insemination and he met me at my convenience at his office (Greenbrae at the time)

How was your experience with Sae Sohn?

Friendly but matter of fact. I have huge fear of doctors and needles - somehow once we got through my initial consultation he never made me nervous. Had a specific plan for my situation which removed a lot of stress.

Describe the protocols Sae Sohn used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Single mother by choice so technically had no had infertility issues before (as far as I knew.) Did three months of insemination just on my own. When that did not work planned three months with Clomid and then three months with injectables. After 4th attempt I was stressed out and had a reaction to Clomid so took a month off to relax and let my body adjust. Was successful the following month.

10

Doctor

Sae Sohn

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

5

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Nursing

Operations

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8

Age

34 - 35

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

?

Treatment

1 IUI, 1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing

Diagnosis

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained

8

The clinic [Kaiser Sacramento] takes on too many patients. Appointments are always running behind.... Most of the nursing staff is very sweet. For my second cycle I feel like I was forgot a little bit. My waivers got a little messed up. There is a nurse there that always had to call me with my negative results. I felt as if she truly did not understand her patients. She was too happy about my negative test and it really bugged me.

+ Read more

Age

34 - 35

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

?

Race

European

Income

$100K - $199K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

3rd of 3 Docs

Treatment

1 IUI, 1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing

Diagnosis

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained

8

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The clinic takes on too many patients. Appointments are always running behind.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

Most of the nursing staff is very sweet. For my second cycle I feel like I was forgot a little bit. My waivers got a little messed up. There is a nurse there that always had to call me with my negative results. I felt as if she truly did not understand her patients. She was too happy about my negative test and it really bugged me.

What specific things went wrong at this clinic?

Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy

Failed to order appropriate test

Provided conflicting information

How was your experience with Lisa Cookingham?

Dr. cookingham is very sweet. I trust her with everything. She takes the time to explain procedures, makes you feel comfortable and actually truly cares about you.
Dr. Cookingham replies quickly back to emails and phone calls.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Lisa Cookingham?

To trust her

Describe the costs associated with your care under Lisa Cookingham.

10,300 for fresh cycle, $4000-$5000 for frozen transfer,

10

Doctor

Lisa Cookingham

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

8

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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7

Age

—

Treated

—

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Anovulation, PCOS

7

Dr Goud was the first person who really listened to me and my struggles to get pregnant. He finally figured out why I wasn't getting pregnant and gave me options for treatment. Unfortunately, I never achieved a pregnancy under his care but that was our choice not to continue with treatment. He was very kind and compassionate.... Dr Goud diagnosed my PCOS and started me on metformin.

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Age

—

Treated

—

Success with this Doc

No

Race

Other

Income

$200K - $499K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Anovulation, PCOS

7

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The clinic was good and operated similarly to Kaiser's model for health care.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Dr Goud was very kind and took time to explain things to me so I could make informed decisions regarding my care.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

The nursing staff were kind but after all these years not very memorable.

How was your experience with Pravin Goud?

Dr Goud was the first person who really listened to me and my struggles to get pregnant. He finally figured out why I wasn't getting pregnant and gave me options for treatment. Unfortunately, I never achieved a pregnancy under his care but that was our choice not to continue with treatment. He was very kind and compassionate.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Pravin Goud?

Make sure you understand all your options and make a plan according to what your best changes are of achieving pregnancy with the budget you have for treatment.

Describe the protocols Pravin Goud used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Dr Goud diagnosed my PCOS and started me on metformin. I did two cycles of cloned and IUI.